The Rolling Stones... Maybe Next Time

If you know me and my taste in music you’d know that I am sort of picky to what I listen to. If I’m not enjoying the style or if I don’t like the artist then I’ll most likely ignore those songs. I know that isn’t fair to those artists but in my opinion I’m not going to waste my time listening to music I don’t necessarily care for. This week is class we listened to The Who as well as The Rolling Stones and for my blog I decided to write about The Rolling Stones. One of the songs in particular caught my attention and that was Time Is On My Side. The Rolling Stones are an English rock band who discovered their musical talent in London in 1962. The earliest settled line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar, vocals), Bill Wyman (bass) and Charlie Watts (drums). However, now the band only consists of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and guitarist Ronnie Wood. Also an interesting fact for you is that The Rolling Stones were popular in Europe and then became successful in North America during the mid-1960s British Invasion. When I first heard their song Time Is On My Side is when I truly noticed that they sounded somewhat similar to The Beatles. At least to me they do. In all honesty, I think the Rolling Stones are okay. They defiantly aren’t my favorite but they aren’t the worst band I’ve ever listened to. I do prefer the Beatles yet I was open in listening to this band. It’s hard to like their style but they defiantly perform well. For never really listening to them before this class, I enjoy listening to them in the sense that I get to experience how the music was changing from each band to the other and I think that’s a really neat perspective to understand. So in conclusion The Rolling Stones aren’t terrible but they aren’t my favorite.

- Caroline

 A video of their song Time Is On My Side. 

Country is STILL my favorite genre!

The first blog I ever wrote for this class explained how deeply my love for country music was and the fact that I still wake up to Kase 101 every morning only helps to strength the enjoyment of that genre. I really am a country music fanatic but when I say country music I don’t mean the old time country but the more up to date kind. Right now I've been listening to a song by the band Rascal Flatts called Help Me Remember. To me, it’s a song with a good rhythm as well as deep and meaningful lyrics which is something that I like about this song. There are some songs that catch my attention and that I can easily relate to and this song defiantly qualifies as one of those songs. The lyrics are beautifully written and are sung by a band that is full of incredible talent. This is the type of music that I will never get tired of and that I enjoy spending my time listening to. Like I’ve said before, I will never be embarrassed to admit that I am in love with country music and that this is my favorite type of music to listen to. I enjoy listening to a variety of music but country is defiantly at the top of my list and I can honestly say that I never plan on that changing! J

Here are the lyrics. Hope they meant something to you like they did for me!

I know that you're leavin'
As soon as the sun
Comes through the window
There's no talking this over
The damage is done
There's just too much hurt
Too much to forgive
Oh, but we both know
We were'nt always like this

[CHORUS]
Help me remember
The way that we used to be
When nothin' else mattered
"cause you were lovin' me
Just for the night, one last time
One more good memory
When I look back
That's what I wanna see

Oh, help me remember

Those days that were so good
Those nights that we held
Held on forever
When we weren't pretenders
We were as real as we felt
Oh, I don't want to fight anymore
Don't want the last thing I hear tonight
To be a slammin' door
Baby, let it be like before

[Repeat Chorus]

This could be the last time
I look in your eyes

Help me remember
The way that it used to be
When nothin' else mattered
'Cause you were lovin' me
Oh, help me remember
Oh, help me, help me
Oh, oh, oh, oh

- Caroline 

Here's the original song by Rascal Flatts.

Here's a cover I found of the same song but that's acoustic. I really like this version too! 

I Took a Walk... and found this great band!

So this week I forced myself to join Spotify and explore what the application had to offer. I discovered some really great songs and playlists from my friends and I have to say that one of my favorite songs now is Take a Walk by Passion Pit. The rhythm of the song puts me in a happy mood so to speak and it’s the style of music I enjoy listening to. If you aren’t familiar with the group Passion Pit, then let me take a minute to tell you about them. Passion Pit is an American electropop band, formed in 2007, from Massachusetts. The band consists of Michael Angelakos (lead vocals, keyboards), Ian Hultquist (keyboards, guitar), Xander Singh (synthesizer, samples), Jeff Apruzzese (bass, synth bass), and Nate Donmoyer (drums). Never have I ever seen such interesting names, yet the music they produce is defiantly worth listening to. Michael’s voice is amazing and the flair they give off is astonishing. Take a Walk is a song with a great beat and interesting yet decent lyrics. I really enjoy this song as well as the band and I can’t wait to do more digging and discover other songs they’ve produced that catch my attention.

All these kinds of places
Make it seem like it's been ages
Tomorrow's sun with buildings scrape the sky
I love this country dearly
I can feel the lighter clearly
But never thought I'd be alone to try

Once I was outside Penn Station
Selling red and white carnations
We were still alone,
My wife and I
Before we marry, save my money
Brought my dear wife over
Now I want to bring my family state side

But off the boat they stayed a while
Then scattered cross the course
Once a year I'll see them for a week or so at most
I took a walk

Take a walk, take a walk, take a walk
Take a walk, oh-oh-oh
I took a walk
Take a walk, take a walk, take a walk
Take a walk, oh-oh-oh
Take a walk, take a walk, take a walk

Practice isn't perfect
But the market cuts a loss
I remind myself that times could be much worse
My wife won't ask me questions
It was not so much to ask
And she'll never flaunt around an empty purse
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/p/passion_pit/take_a_walk.html ]
Once my money lacking
Just to stay a couple nights
In the silence she will stay the rest of her life
I watch my little children, play some board game in the kitchen
And I sit and pray they never feel my strife

But then my partner called to say the pension funds were gone
We made some bad investments
Now accounts are overdrawn

I took a walk
Take a walk, take a walk, take a walk
Take a walk, oh-oh-oh
I took a walk
Take a walk, take a walk, take a walk
Take a walk, take a walk, take a walk
Take a walk, oh-oh-oh

Honey it's your son I think I borrowed just too much
We had taxes we had bills
We had a lifestyle of fun
And tonight I swear I'll come home
And we'll make love like we're young
And tomorrow you'll cook dinner
For the neighbors and their kids
We could rip apart those socialists
And all their damn taxes
You'll see I am no criminal
I'm down on both bad knees
I'm just too much a coward
To admit when I'm in need

I took a walk
Take a walk, take a walk, take a walk
Take a walk, oh-oh-oh
Take a walk, oh-oh-oh
I took a walk
Take a walk, take a walk, take a walk
Take a walk, take a walk, take a walk
I took a walk
Take a walk, take a walk, take a walk
Take a walk, take a walk, take a walk
I took a walk
Take a walk, take a walk, take a walk
Take a walk, take a walk, take a walk

- Caroline

Music video for Take a Walk. Enjoy!!

Beatles, Beatles, and More Beatles

Before I joined History of Rock and Roll I never took the opportunity to fully listen and examine The Beatles, but now that I have I can honestly say that I enjoy their style. This week we got the chance to watch “A Hard Day’s Night”, a mockumentary that the Beatles filmed in 1964. When all four of the boys are together, the show they put on for their audience is incredible and leaves the crowd screaming at the top of their lungs every time. They each have their own unique personalities that I enjoy such as Johns funny faces and the scene of him in the bathtub playing with toys as well as George shaving on the mirror. The product from this band is worth listening to even decades after it was produced. The music never gets old and I am so glad I was able to truly understand what all is behind the band so called The Beatles. One of my favorite parts of the movie was watching how they lived their lives in the spotlight and how every time they performed they lit up the stage as if it was their last performance as a group. It sent shivers down my spine each time and I was always ready for them to perform again. I really do enjoy watching and listening to the artistic talent shown from these boys and I hope we get to listen to them more. Never will I ever doubt their talent again because from listening and watching the Beatles live their everyday lives, I truly understand how much time and dedication it took to make them the amazing and talented band that they became and forever will be. They made a name for themselves and never disappointed their audience and to me, that’s true commitment worth applauding. 

- Caroline 

One of the trailers for A Hard Day's Night 

Another trailer for the amazing movie

My favorite scene from the movie where John is acting like a little kid in the bathtub and where George is shaving on the mirror

The Beatles.. Again!

I know that I wrote about the Beatles last week for my blog post; however, I feel like I must write about them again to show how much I enjoyed listening to their music as well as watching a documentary on them. In class, we got the chance to watch their everyday lives of performing and the reaction of the audience every time they started singing. The movie was really neat to watch because it made you feel like you were living their dream with them. Their style of music changed from each album they produced as they developed as a band. The melody in their songs made me want to live in their time area just so I could experience what every young, screaming girl experienced. The Beatles were a huge hit and had a huge effect on the music world. One of my favorite songs by them is I Wanna Hold Your Hand. I love the rhythm and sound that the song demonstrates and I think it's a very catchy song. Due to their amazing talent and extraordinary personalities, I don’t think I could ever get tired of watching or listening to the Beatles perform and live their everyday lives in the life of fame. I really enjoyed listening to the Beatles and I hope we get to learn more about them!

- Caroline

"I Wanna Hold Your Hand"

The Beatles showing off their fun personalities

The Beatles waving to their fans

The Beatles performing on the Ed Sullivan Show

Two Door Cinema Club

Whenever I think of good music I think of a band that produces a good sound that carries a catchy rhythm throughout their songs. One that tries hard to impress their audience and tries hard to record an album that everyone will enjoy. There are many bands out there that produce many wonderful albums; however, one that truly caught my eye was an Irish band called Two Door Cinema Club. The band consists of three members; Alex Tremble (vocals, rhythm guitar, beats, synths), Sam Halliday (lead guitar, backing vocals), and Kevin Baird (bass, backing vocals). This incredible and talented band was formed in Northern Ireland in 2007 and has produced two albums so far. The first album was Tourist History and their second and most recent one, released on September 4^th, is called Beacon. My favorite songs on the Beacon album would have to be either Sleep Alone, Next Year, Handshake, or Sun. I really enjoy listening to their style of music because each song is different and has its own unique beat. For example, Next Year is a song that shows Two Doors exceptional use of voice as well as different instruments. The sound that this song displays is very catchy in addition to having a great message through the lyrics. I really liked these lyrics and I think that’s why my liking for this song is so strong. In case you’ve never heard this song, which I highly recommend, here are the lyrics:

 

I don't know where I
Am going to rest my head tonight.
So I won't promise that I'll speak
To you today,
But if I ever find
Another place, a better time
For that moment,
I was never what I am.

Take to me to where you are,
What you've become,
And what you will do
When I am gone.
I won't forget,
I won't forget.

Maybe someday,
You'll be somewhere
Talking to me
As if you knew me,
Saying, I'll be home for next year, darling.
I'll be home for next year.

In between the lines
Is the only place you'll find
What you're missing
That you didn't know was there.
So when I say goodbye,
You must do your best to try
And forgive me this weakness,
This weakness.

'Cause I don't know what to say.
Another day,
Another excuse to be sent your way.
Another day,
Another year.

Maybe someday,
You'll be somewhere
Talking to me
As if you knew me,
Saying, I'll be home for next year, darling.
I'll be home for next year.
And maybe sometime,
In a long time,
You'll remember
What I had said there.
I said, I'll be home for next year, darling,
I'll be home for next year.

If you think of me,
I will think of you.

Maybe someday,
You'll be somewhere
Talking to me
As if you knew me,
Saying, I'll be home for next year, darling.
I'll be home for next year.
Maybe sometime,
In a long time,
You'll remember
What I had said there.
I said, I'll be home for next year.
Maybe someday,
You'll be somewhere
Talking to me
As if you knew me,
Saying, I'll be home for next year, darling.
I'll be home for next year.

 

There are many songs out there that I like and can relate to but this one in particular is defiantly one of my favorites. I just recently started listening to this band and so far I am very impressed. The sound they have produced is incredible and keeps me wanting more. I can’t wait for their next album and I can’t wait to see how their style of music improves. From here it can only get better. Good job Two Door Cinema Club! You’ve defiantly earned yourself another fan!

 

- Caroline

 

 

 

 

"Next Year"

 

"Sleep Alone"

 

"Sun"

 

"Handshake"

The Beatles- A New Favorite

To me, The Beatles were the most popular and influential music group of the rock era and proved to be a true sensation in the music world. The band members were John Lennon (1960-69), Paul McCartney (1960-70), George Harrison (1960-70), and Ringo Starr (1962-70) as well as other members such as Stuart Sutcliffe (1960-61) and Pete Best (1960-1962). This popular group was started in Liverpool in 1960 and lasted until 1970. Before this week, I had never really listened to the Beatles but now I’m glad that we were able to in class. I didn’t think I really preferred their music; however, after completely listening to their first album Please Please Me, I really liked their style and am now more open to that type of music. Believe it or not the whole album was recorded in just one day, whereas normally it takes 300 hours for every 1 minute of a song. That’s astonishing in my eyes and truly shows how dedicated these talented new artists had become. Out of the whole entire album, I’d have to say that my favorite song was I Saw Her Standing There. The lyrics just spoke to me more than the others and I wanted to share those lyrics with you in case you forgot or weren’t familiar with the song.

 

(1,2,3,4!)

Well, she was just 17
You know what I mean
And the way she looked was way beyond compare
So how could I dance with another (Ooh)
When I saw her standing there

Well she looked at me, and I, I could see
That before too long I'd fall in love with her
She wouldn't dance with another (Whooh)
When I saw her standing there

Well, my heart went "boom"
When I crossed that room
And I held her hand in mine...

Whoah, we danced through the night
And we held each other tight
And before too long I fell in love with her
Now I'll never dance with another (Whooh)
Since I saw her standing there

Well, my heart went "boom"
When I crossed that room
And I held her hand in mine...

Whoah, we danced through the night
And we held each other tight
And before too long I fell in love with her
Now I'll never dance with another (Whooh)
Since I saw her standing there

Not only is it a love song, but it’s a love song with a faster beat to it and a rhythm that makes you want to sing along. I really enjoy this song because it offers a different attempt of a love song and I believe that the lyrics match perfectly with the rhythm. Over all I am fairly impressed with The Beatles and I am so glad we got a chance to truly listen to their unique style. I relished every minute of it and I can’t wait to listen to the other albums by them!

- Caroline

The Beatles first Album, Please Please Me

 

"I Saw Her Standing There"

 

 

 

Impressed Again by Awolnation

Have you ever listened to a band that really caught you off guard by their talent? Well, that happened to me this week. Not only was I surprised by their ability to deliver a great sound, but I was also touched by their lyrics. This week, Awolnation really caught my attention in a whole new approach. I’ve listened to them in the past but this time when I heard them, I really focused on the lyrics and the message they were presenting. Some songs by them that I listened to were Sail, Kill Your Heroes, All I Need, and Not Your Fault. Each song has a different melody and that’s why I really enjoy listening to this band. Awolnation is an American electronic rock band, formed by Aaron Bruno in 2010 originating out of Los Angeles, California. The members of this band include Aaron Bruno (vocals), Drew Stewart (lead guitar), Hayden Scott (drums), David Amezcua (bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), and Kenny Carkeet (rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals). All the songs I listened to were fantastic but one that really stuck out to me was Kill Your Heroes. The lyrics in this song really widened my perspective, making me accept the message it was portraying. My favorite stanza in the song was:

Well I met an old man
dying on a train.
No more destination
no more pain.
Well he said
"one thing, before I graduate...
never let your fear decide your fate."

What got my profound attention in these lyrics was the way it shows how meeting someone can change a person forever. Also it shows how older generations can have an effect on younger generations, by helping to guide them in life. Although all the songs were best hits in my book, I enjoyed listening to this one the most. Awolnation is a band of talented and young musicians who never fail to impress my music preferences. I can’t wait to see what they come out with next!

- Caroline

"Sail"

 

"Kill Your Heroes"

 

"All I Need"

 

"Not Your Fault"